Mobile terminal with ergonomic housing

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed for employing a housing as part of a hand held scanner as to increase utility and add ruggedness. The housing comprises an upper top housing and lower bottom housing, with the top housing comprising a set of accessory rails adapted to accept accessories associated with the hand hold scanner, and the lower housing including an adjustable mass element for balancing a weight of the scanner. Also, top housing can be adapted to accept various key pad configurations via a transitional mounting frame, and the bottom housing can hold a stylus. A bar code scanner system employing such housing can incorporate displays located on various sides of the housing and/or key pads to facilitate a reading from the scanner at slanted angles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/625,268, filed Jul. 23, 2003, entitled “MOBILE TERMINAL WITHERGONOMIC HOUSING”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described below generally relates to a housing for anelectronic unit and in particular to an ergonomic housing for a terminalscanner with added utilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable hand-held terminals are employed in many different industries,and are typically assembled by enclosing internal electrical componentswithin a housing. Generally, a desirable characteristic of suchterminals is that they can readily function, while a respective userperforms other more demanding tasks. For example, a user may find itnecessary to operate a data terminal with one hand, while leaving theother hand free. In particular, the user may find it desirable to liftor otherwise shift small items of inventory with one hand, whilesimultaneously scanning them with the portable scanner held in the otherhand.

Typically, a data terminal equipped with an optical character set readeris coupled with a handle assembly for ease of gripping by a user. Thehandle grip assembly further includes a trigger mechanism that isconnected to the data terminal so that the user, by depressing thetrigger, command the data terminal's optical character set reader toscan a target, e.g., bar code symbols. Upon depressing the trigger, alaser beam generated by a laser source, for example, a gas laser tube ora semiconductor laser diode, is optically focused by an optical traininto a generally circular laser beam spot on a target symbol. The beamspot is swept by a scanning component over the symbol and forms a scanpattern thereon. Laser light reflected off the symbol is detected by alight sensor,

e.g. a photodiode, which is mounted together with the laser source andthe optical train in the terminal unit.

The symbol itself is a coded pattern comprised of a series of bars ofvarious widths. The bars are being spaced apart from one another tobound spaces of various widths and the bars and spaces have differentlight-reflective properties. Although dimensions may vary, depending onthe particular application and the density of the symbol, each bar andspace of a bar code symbol typically used in the retail industry toidentify retail products measures on the order of thousandths of an inch(mils). In practice, the generally circular laser beam spot has across-sectional diameter on the order of 6 to 10 mils. Such bar codesymbols are widely used for a multitude of applications, for examplesales order entry, inventory control, marketing data collection, assetmanagement, and the like. In particular, the use of bar codes has becomeso common they are now typically found on store shelves and on packages,containers, cans, and the like in which merchandise is packaged andsold. As a consequence, a variety of bar code scanners for reading anddecoding bar codes are manufactured and marketed.

Generally, bar code scanners fall within one of two types, namely; laserscanners and contact scanners. A laser scanner can resemble a “gun” inthat it generally has a brick or bar shaped element and a handle with atrigger. This design aids a user in aiming the laser scanner properly atthe target, as well as controlling and balancing the laser scannerwhich, due to its weight, can cause fatigue in the hands and wrists of auser.

By aiming the brick shaped element of the scanner in a direction of acode symbol and pressing the trigger, a laser scanner scans or “reads” abar code. As such, the laser source emits a light beam that exits thebrick shaped element of the laser scanner and strikes the bar code.Subsequently, a portion of the light beam is reflected back through thebrick element in such a manner as to strike a detector, which thentransmits the information electronically for further processing, e.g.,to a microprocessor.

The second type of scanners, contact scanners are sometimes alsoreferred to as “pencil wands” due to their narrow, pencil-like shape.Contact scanners scan or “read” a bar code by emitting visible red orinfrared light such as, for example, from an LED which strikes the barcode while the scanner is moved across the bar code in a lineardirection with the tip of the scanner touching the bar code label.Similar to a laser scanner, a portion of the light is reflected backinto the wand in such a manner as to strike a detector which thentransmits the information electronically for further processing.

Traditionally, laser scanners and contact scanners were generally simpledevices that included only the requisite optics. Such scanners could beconnected via a cable to a separate computer and an operator viewed therequisite data on a display of the computer and employed the computerkey board to input any data. As such, the scanners did not include akeyboard, a display, or a memory.

However, more recent versions of such bar code readers have includedsome form of a keypad, a display, a CPU and a memory, for example awireless laser scanner that incorporates an internal battery and memoryto save the data as the operator scans bar codes has been introduced.Moreover, many such bar scanners employ various accessories fordifferent types of applications. The constant adding and replacing ofthe required accessories cause wear and tear in the body of the handheld scanner that is generally formed from plastic or rubber. Suchabrasion of the plastic body shortens a life cycle of the portablescanner. At the same time, wrapping the accessories around the body ofthe scanner reduces a user's grip balance and ease of use, causing earlyfatigue for a user. Moreover, often the hand held scanner needs to beoriented at various angles for a proper reading of the bar code symboldisplay. At such slanted angles, it is typically difficult for a user toreadily observe the display area window of the scanner, should a readingbecomes necessary during the use of the hand held scanner.

In addition, many such scanners are generally designed for employing aspecific key pad configuration and are not adapted to employ key padswith wider configurations than the width of the scanner. Thus, theirflexibility of use is limited.

Therefore, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned deficienciesassociated with conventional scanning devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of one or more aspects of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention,nor to delineate the scope of the present invention. Rather, the solepurpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the invention ina simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented hereinafter.

The present invention provides methods and systems for employing aterminal housing as part of a portable scanner unit as to increaseutility and add ruggedness. According to one aspect of the presentinvention, the terminal housing comprises an upper top housing and alower bottom housing. The top housing includes a set of accessory railsadapted to accept accessories associated with the scanner device. Byproviding such a durable interface between the terminal housing and theaccessory, tear and wear associated with inserting and withdrawing ofthe accessories into and out off the terminal housing is mitigated. Inone aspect of the present invention, the accessory rails can bepositioned on opposite sides of an accessory compartment within theterminal housing.

The top housing can further comprise a battery compartment with abattery release mechanism for receiving a battery. By placing thebattery compartment in the top housing according to the presentinvention, a unique design may be achieved that facilitates batteryreplacement, while freeing up handle space of the lower housing, whichin turn can be exploited for additional utility, e.g. housing a stylus.

According to one aspect of the present invention the accessory railingassembly provides for an increased utility of the terminal housing byenabling incorporation of various accessories that at first appear to beincompatible with the electrical unit due to size limitations. Forexample, according to one aspect of the present invention, a hand heldscanner can be adapted to incorporate wide key pads that initiallyseemed over sized for the portable scanner. Accordingly, variousoversized key pads, in addition to other suitable keypads can be readilymounted on a portable bar code scanner of the present invention. Inanother aspect of the present invention, the various over sized keypadscan be incorporated into the scanner by employing a transitionalmounting frame that engages on the top housing and accepts the oversized key pad. An example of such oversized key pad can be a key padhaving a wider width or length than that of the top housing.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for various displayunits placed on a side(s) of the key pad, and/or the terminal housing.Such display units function as an additional side screen to facilitate areading associated with the scanner. Moreover, an LED(s) that isactivated upon a particular key being depressed, can be provided as partof the scanner's key pad. Such an LED assembly functions as a visualindicator signifying to a user whether a specific key, e.g. a functionkey, on the key pad has been depressed. In particular, pressing aparticular key may place the electronic unit in a specific mode, oractivate a particular function, which if the user is not alerted to, candumbfound a user while employing the electronic unit. The visualindicator can be a change of color or brightness of the key pad'sLED(s). Other audio alert features may also be employed. The key pad, aswell as the upper housing, can further include various surfaces thatfunction as a resting area for the user's finger, hand or wrist.

In one aspect of the present invention, the lower housing comprises aneck grip curve as part of its lobster tail shaped handle. Such neckgrip curve can initiate on an opposite side of a scan trigger forming araised projection of rubber protruding out from the handle. This featureenables a user to hold a strong grip on the handle, for example when auser's finger presses against the trigger. Accordingly, the user has afirm grip on the unit, and possible sliding difficulties, e.g. due tosweat on a user's palm, can be mitigated. The neck grip curve can alsobe employed as a finger rest by placing a finger thereupon and relievinga working stress from finger joints of a user, thus reducing a user'sfatigue.

In another aspect of the present invention, the lower housing comprisesa counter weight as to move downward a center of gravity, and increasean over all balance of the unit when held by a user. Moreover, a usercan adjust a position of the counterweight within a specified limit toprovide for additional ease of application according to the user'spreference. The lower housing can further comprise a compartment forplacing a stylus associated with the electronic unit in accordance withanother aspect of the present invention. The stylus can be positionedwithin the handle and substantially parallel to it. Sculpted ribs can beprovided on inner sides of the compartment for the stylus as tofacilitate guiding the stylus within it. In one aspect of the subjectinvention, the stylus can maintain its position within the handlecompartment by leveraging against the counterweight.

In another aspect of the present invention, the handle of the terminalhousing is covered by an external shock isolation assembly. Suchexternal isolation permits for a suitable selection of bumperconfigurations depending on the severity of the environment. The shockisolation assembly for the handle includes a rubber mounting employing agroove that provides for an additional collapse and deformation of therubber on itself during impact.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a hand heldscanner employing the housing terminal emits a laser beam at an angledesigned to readily scan and read the target bar code.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention,then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described. The followingdescription and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certainillustrative aspects of the invention. However, these aspects areindicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles ofthe invention may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novelfeatures of the invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description of the invention when considered in conjunctionwith the drawings. To facilitate the reading of the drawings, some ofthe drawings may not have been drawn to scale from one figure to anotheror within a given figure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hand held mobile terminalhousing in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top housing and the bottomhousing prior to assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates an accessory rail interface as part of the tophousing according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates perspective views of the bottom housing in accordancewith an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed perspective of the bottom housingaccording to an aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate a perspective and cross section of thehandle for the bottom housing according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates one particular hand held scanner employing a housingaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates various key pad designs that can be incorporated aspart of the terminal housing according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for alerting a user byilluminating a scanner's key pad.

FIG. 10 illustrates a keypad configuration according to one aspect ofthe present invention wherein additional display elements having variousorientations are provided at several areas of the key pads.

FIG. 11 illustrates a top housing according to one aspect of the subjectinvention adapted to accept various over sized keypads via a mountingframe.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic representation for a particular handheld scanner employing a housing according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is now described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, thatthe present invention may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

As used in this application, the term “computer component” is intendedto refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination ofhardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example,a computer component may be, but is not limited to being, a processrunning on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a threadof execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, bothan application running on a server and the server can be a computercomponent. One or more computer components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a terminal housing assembly according toone aspect of the present invention is illustrated. The illustratedhousing assembly can be applied for containment of an electronic device,such as devices employed in numerous types of commercial and industrialapplications (e.g., a bar code reader unit, code scanner unit, laserand/or light emitter unit, data storage instrument, computers, personaldigital assistants, communication units and the like), which aretypically assembled by enclosing internal electrical components, such asa Central Processing Unit (CPU) board, display, and internal wiring,within the housing assembly. The housing is configured to be held in thepalm of one hand with the keys on a subsequently mounted keypad (notshown) engageable by the thumb or fingers of the hand holding thehousing, or by the other hand. The hand held portable terminal 10 has anelongated bar encapsulation shape 11 being mounted upon a handle 12, andis formed via a top housing assembled to a bottom housing. Typically,materials employed for fabricating the housing 10 can include varioustypes of thermoset plastic or thermo plastic material, and the like. Thehousing 10 may also include a hand strap (not shown) for user comfort.The hand strap can mount the housing 10 on the back of the operator'shand by passing over a user's knuckle, so that the scanner apparatus canbe operated with ease. The hand strap can be connected to the body ofthe terminal 10 at various points for example the lower handle or thesides.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top housing 22 and thebottom housing 23 before assembly. The top housing 22 can includevarious microphone ports, audio jack sockets, various interface featurefor information transfer, such as serial communication ports fordifferent communication standard and/or protocol, e.g., parallel, SCSI,Firewire (IEEE 1394), Ethernet, etc.

Moreover, the top housing 22 includes mounted rails for acceptingaccessories, as well as a compartment for a battery pack mechanism andrelease assembly 24 that is located at a rear end of the bar shapedelongated encapsulation. By placing the battery compartment in the tophousing, according to one aspect of the present invention, a uniquedesign may be achieved that facilitates battery replacement, whilefreeing up handle space that can be exploited for additional utility,e.g., a stylus compartment. Moreover, a more flexible weightdistribution scheme can be obtained, thus facilitating a user's balancedgrip for the scanner unit. The battery pack compartment 24 can employvarious types of latching mechanisms to assemble a battery with the hostscanner device. For example, a simple plastic cantilever latch can beemployed that comprises a cantilever or beam which is anchored at oneend and carries a latch element at the opposite end. The cantilever orbeam is deflected in order to engage or disengage the latch.Alternatively, or in combination with the cantilever latch spring-loadedcam latches can be employed. Such latch mechanisms provide for a metalleaf spring or coil spring that urges a latch member to an engagedposition. The latch member generally includes a camming surface which isengaged by an actuator element to move the latch member to a disengagedposition.

Moreover, various gaskets (not shown) can be provided along a perimeterof the top housing for any opening (e.g., a display, interconnect point,and the like) to mitigate contamination, which might otherwise enter theelectronic device assembly from outside and thus affect performance ofthe unit. The gaskets can be of rubber, foam, or any other elastomer,operable to sufficiently seal the assembly of the mobile terminal.

Referring now to FIG. 3 an accessory rail interface 31, which is part ofthe top housing 33 is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention. An accessory (not shown) for the electronic devicecan be mounted via a mounting part 36 onto the support rail assembly 31,and then slid into the accessory compartment 32. Each support railmounting assembly comprises a rail with guided posts and/or raisedbrackets with a locking part 39 for engaging an accessory there upon. Itis to be appreciated that other snap and catch release mechanisms thatemploy various engaging mechanism, such as spring assemblies and thelike can also be employed as part of the railing assembly and/ormounting/locking to securely seize the accessory in its compartment.

The rail supports 31 run substantially parallel to the side walls 35 ofthe compartment, and convey the pressure exerted by the accessory to theelastic wall(s) 35 on which the rail frame 31 is buttressed. The railsupports 31 can be in from of a channel section member, or any suitabletapered cross section, and can be fabricated from any resilientmaterial, (such as various metals, highly durable plastics or the like).Accordingly, such members can be readily replaced at a low cost if wornout. A single screw 37 clamps together the rail frame 31 to the sidewall 35, as well as clamping the sidewall 35 to a metal strap part 30,in the direction of the arrow 38. In other words, a portion of the sidewall 35 is being sandwiched between the metal strap part 30 and the railframe.

Accordingly, the rail interface 31 provides a physical interface betweenthe accessory (not shown) and the plastic side wall member(s) 35. Thus,abrasion of the plastic side wall member(s) 35 that typically occursfrom a regular adding or removing of the accessory is mitigated.Moreover, such design provide for a more flexible accessorization, ascompared to designs that merely add on an accessory by wrapping itaround the electronic unit.

FIG. 4 illustrates other perspective views of the bottom housing 40,according to one aspect of the present invention. The bottom housing 40can have connecting structures 42 in the form of various latchingmechanism employed to assemble the lower housing with the upper housing.A plurality of such interlocking joints 42 can be spread around theperimeter of the connecting area of the lower housing 40 and/or theupper housing. Typically, such interlocking mechanism is designed tominimize its occupied volume, while at the same time providing a secureattachment to prevent disengagement from the upper housing. The bottomhousing 40 further includes an opening 44 that functions as a readingwindow for a subsequent scanning reader unit (not shown) mountedthereupon. The user aims the window 44 at a desired indicia to be readand presses the trigger 46 that activates the reader unit. A displayunit (not shown) can be employed to display information relating to amode of operation of the electronic unit, or display check informationrelating to an item being read by an optical scanner (not shown) locatedin the electronic unit.

FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed perspective of the bottom housing inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention. The bottom housing56 comprises a handle 55 that has a lobster tail configuration, atrigger 53 and a neck grip curve 58 positioned on a back side of thehandle 55 and opposite the trigger 53. Trigger 53 is ergonomicallydesigned and substantially conforms to contours of a grip portion ofhandle 55 when depressed by the user, and thereby ensures reduceddiscomfort in the gripping and actuating and deactuating modes of theportable scanner. Additionally, trigger 53 can have an integrally moldedbody with a mounting portion received through an opening in an upperportion of handle 55. As such, trigger 53 can be pivotally mounted inhandle 55 under spring bias. Sides of trigger 53 are contoured toconform to contours of the grip section, when trigger 53 is depressed bya user, so as to actuate scanning and reading modes for a reader unit(not shown) of the scanner device. Alternatively, trigger 53 can bemolded as part of handle 55 in one stage.

In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, the neck grip curvefeature 58 is a raised rubber pump protruding laterally from the handle55. Such raised rubber projection feature 58 can be fabricated as partof an over mold process, as opposed to being fabricated directly out ofa straight plastic sheet. Accordingly, stress concentration accumulationin various stress points of the curve can be mitigated. Moreover,positioning neck grip curve 58 on an opposite side of scan trigger 53,enables a user to maintain a stronger grip on the handle upon a user'sfinger pressing against the trigger 53. Thus, gripping difficultiesassociated with sliding of the handle 55, e.g. due to sweat on a user'spalm, can be mitigated. The neck grip curve 58 can also function as afinger rest by placing a finger thereupon and relieving a working stresson finger joints. Such design reduces a user's fatigue during long hoursof employing the scanner unit.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 a and 6 b a detailed perspective and crosssection of the handle according to one aspect of the present inventionis illustrated. The handle 60 comprises a cavity 62 for accommodating astylus 64 therein. The inner walls of the cavity 62 can include sculptedribs that function as a mechanism for guiding the stylus 64 duringinsertion into the cavity 62. FIG. 6 b shows a cross section of thehandle with the stylus 64 placed in the handle substantially parallelthereto. The stylus 64 can be engaged in the cavity via a spring lockingmechanism or any other suitable securing assembly 67.

In another aspect of the present invention, the stylus can also beengaged in place via leveraging against a mass 66 placed as part ofhandle 60 for the lower housing. Since the battery is relocated to thetop housing, the weight of the mass 66 acts as a force to lower thecenter of gravity for the scanner unit. Such weight distributionincreases an over all balance of the unit when held by a user. The mass66 can be on or about 75 grams and can be formed from a metal material.Moreover, the mass 66 can also act as an attachment feature for a strapconnected at strap point 61, thus allowing added flexibility for acarrying or hanging of the electronic unit. Moreover, a user may adjusta position of the mass 66 within specified limits, thus balance tuning ahand held grip on the unit as to create a more comfortable feel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the handle 60 isbeing over molded by rubber material to create a shock absorber 69 thatacts as a soft cushion in an event of a drop. The shock absorber 69 cancomprise various grooves 63 around the perimeter as to allow the shockabsorber to further collapse on itself and diffuse the shock energy incase of a drop.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary hand held scanner is illustratedthat employs a housing according to the present invention. The scanner70 includes a display 74 for displaying information. The display 74 canbe a touch screen and may employ capacitive, resistive touch, infrared,surface acoustic wave, or grounded acoustic wave technology. Further,the display 74 can be a liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube (CRT),field emission device (FED, also called flat panel CRT) or any otherdisplay device suitable for creating graphic images and alphanumericcharacters recognizable to the user. Terminal 70 further includes a userinterface keypad 72 to enter information concerning modes of operationof the mobile terminal or to carry out cancellation or manipulationoperations on information provided by the terminal. The keypad 72consists of electrometric keys that are positioned within a centralportion of a top surface for the upper housing.

As shown, the portable bar code scanner 70 is configured to be held withthe palm of a user's hand, and various keys on its keypad 72 can beengaged by thumb or fingers of the hand holding the housing. The barcode scanner 70 can be employed in a wireless communication network fortracking inventory, storing data, etc. No cables are required to connectthe scanner apparatus to a computer device, thereby further reducing itsweight and consequent fatigue, and eliminating the inefficiencies causedby entanglement with such cables. Moreover, its size allows easy accessto difficult scanning locations. The scanner 70 provides rapid key entryand reading of displayed information, providing the operator with realtime data so that decisions and actions can be quickly implemented. Auser may input and/or process data via keypad, scanner element, etc.independent of the hand-held terminal 70 being connected to acommunication network, for example a LAN or a WAN. When hand-heldterminal 70 does not include a transceiver to provide for real timecommunications, the data can be stored in memory within the hand-heldterminal 70. Accordingly, should the hand-held terminal 70 subsequentlybe connected to a network, stored data can be downloaded to a hostcomputer (not shown).

FIG. 8 illustrates various key pad designs that can be incorporated aspart of the terminal housing according to one aspect of the presentinvention. The key pad layouts have a general resemblance in that forexample, all enter keys 82 are located on the lower hand side, as wellas the navigation tool keys 84 being located on the upper mid section.The key pad surface can further include an area(s) that function as aresting area for the user's fingers, hands or wrist. Each key can have adomed upper surface for optimum thumb tangency, and the individual keysare sufficiently spaced apart so as not to interfere with actuating anyone key. Entering variable data into the scanner apparatus is similar tooperating a calculator.

In one aspect according to the present invention, a portion of thekeypad is illuminated, if a specific key(s) is being actuated. Forexample, if during operation a key that changes an operation mode forthe unit is being pressed, then a portion of the key pad illuminates viaLED(s), as to alert a user of the selected mode of operation. Byobserving the illuminating color or brightness on the keypad surface, auser can readily ascertain the mode selected for the unit and prepareaccordingly. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary flow chart for alerting auser according to the present invention. At 95 a user of the scannerunit strokes a key on the key pad. Such actuation can be deliberate oras a result of an accidental contact of the key pad with an externalstimulus. Thereafter, at 96 it is decided whether the depressed unit,for example, alters a mode and/or a function of the scanner unit.Actuation of such keys, for example, can change a keypad'salphanumerical designations that a user routinely applies and isaccustomed to. Moreover, pressing such keys can initiate a particularmode for the scanner. Accordingly, a user may be dumbfounded if notalerted to such alterations in the function of the scanner and/or keypad. To mitigate such ambiguity, at 96 the key pad provides a visualnotification by illuminating a certain color or brightness on the keypad surface. In another aspect of the present invention, various audioheralds, alone or in combination with the visual alerts can be employedfor alerting a user that a particular key has been actuated.

Referring now to FIG. 10 another aspect of the present invention isbeing illustrated in accordance with the subject invention, whereinadditional display element(s) having various orientation(s) are providedat area(s) of the key pad. The display allows data which has been storedin memory or which is input by the operator using the keypad to beviewed by the operator. The additional display element 92 is mountedupon a side 91 of the key pad 94. Similar elements can be provided on aside(s) of the lower and/or upper terminal housing. Such displayassembly provides a user easy access to required information when thehand held scanner needs to be oriented at various angles for a properreading of the bar code symbol display. At such slanted angles, anotherwise redundant display functions as an effective media for visualrepresentation of information. It is to be appreciated that the otherdisplay elements may be mounted on various sides of the terminalhousing, as well as the keypad element.

The portable bar code scanner apparatus can read a bar code when adesignated key for scanning on the keypad is actuated. When the scan keyis pressed, the microprocessor activates the means for scanning a barcode and causes light to be emitted through the transparent window 20 onthe upper end of the housing to strike a bar code positioned adjacentthereto. Typically, a laser beam generated by a laser source, forexample, a gas laser tube or a semiconductor laser diode, is opticallyfocused by an optical train into a generally circular laser beam spot ona target symbol. The beam spot is swept by a scanning component over thesymbol and forms a scan pattern thereon. Thereafter, laser lightreflected off the symbol is detected by a light sensor, e.g. aphotodiode, mounted together with the laser source, the optical train,the scanning component, and the photodiode of the hand held scanner.Since the photodiode “sees” only that portion of the scan spot visiblethrough the viewing window, in one aspect of the subject invention, thereading performance can be improved by focusing a light beam and theview of a light sensor at a specific angle. This angle is defined in avertical plane that symmetrical divides the scanner in two halves. Suchangle is measured clockwise with its initial side substantially parallelto the handle and its extended side substantially defining the laserbeam path, and its vertex positioned within the top housing. In oneaspect of the present invention the optimum angle is 2070 (degrees).Acceptable tolerance range for this angle is ±5o(degrees).

FIG. 11 illustrates a terminal housing according to one aspect of thesubject invention adapted to accept various over sized keypads as partof the scanner by employing a transitional mounting frame 100. Thetransitional mounting frame 100 can be fabricated from various type ofplastic, metals, resilient material or the like. Numerous latch elements104 are uniformly spread around the perimeter of the sidewalls 102 ofthe mounting frame 100. Each latch element 104 corresponds to at leastone notch and/or aperture 106 formed on a surface perimeter 101 of thetop housing 108. As illustrated, the latch 104 can be a substantiallyL-shaped member, and the notch and/or aperture 106 can be an open notchformed in a side portion of the perimeter of the top housing 108.Alternatively, the notch and/or aperture 106 can be an opening or a slotformed in the transitional mounting frame 100, with the L-shaped memberbeing formed in a side portion of the perimeter 101 of the top housing108. Accordingly, as the transitional frame 100 is mounted upon and/orwithin the enclosure 101 of the top housing, the engagement between theL-shaped members 104 and the notches and/or apertures 106 effectivelyengages the mounting frame 100 with the top housing 108. When thetransitional frame 100 is securely in place via the engagement betweenthe latch(es) and the notch(es) and/or aperture(s), a downward force isexerted as to fully secure the transitional frame 100 with the tophousing 108. It is to be appreciated that any other suitable mechanismfor coupling the mounting frame 100 with the top housing 108 can beemployed and is contemplated as falling within the scope of the presentinvention.

Various a gaskets (not shown), can also be provided as part of suchinterlocking structure as to seal the engagement perimeter between themounting frame and the top housing. As such, contamination that mightotherwise enter the mobile terminal assembly from outside and therebyaffect its performance is reduced. The gasket can be of rubber, foam, orany other elastomer, operable to sufficiently seal the assembly of themounting frame 100 to the upper housing 108. Such seal assemblymitigates passage of dust and other contaminates into an environment ofthe mobile terminal.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a schematic representation according to oneaspect of the present invention is shown in which a processor 360 isresponsible for controlling the general operation of a portable scannerdevice 350, which employs a terminal housing and key pad as discussedearlier. The processor 360 is programmed to control and operate thevarious components within the scanner device 350 in order to carry outthe various functions described herein. The processor or CPU 360 can beany of a plurality of processors, such as the p24T, Pentium 50/75,Pentium 60/90, and Pentium 66/100, Pentium PRO and Pentium 2, and othersimilar and compatible processors or micro controllers. A processor suchas Intel's 8 bit microcontrollers, the 8031, 8051 or 8052 can also beemployed. The manner the processor 360 can be programmed to carry outthe functions relating to the present invention will be readily apparentto those having ordinary skill in the art based on the descriptionprovided herein. A memory 370 tied to the processor 360 is also includedin the portable scanner device 350 and serves to store program codeexecuted by the processor 360 for carrying out operating functions ofthe scanner. The memory 370 also serves as a storage medium fortemporarily storing information such as receipt transaction informationand the like. The memory 370 is adapted to store a complete set of theinformation to be displayed. According to one particular aspect, thememory 370 has sufficient capacity to store multiple sets ofinformation, and the processor 360 could include a program foralternating or cycling between various sets of display information.

Display(s) 380, which as described earlier can be mounted on a side ofthe terminal housing and/or key pad, is coupled to the processor 360 viaa display driver system 390. The display 380 is operable to display dataor other information relating to ordinary operation of the portablescanner 350. For example, the display 380 may display a set of customerinformation, which is displayed to the operator and may be transmittedover a system backbone (not shown). Additionally, the display 380 maydisplay a variety of functions that control the execution of theportable electronic device 350. The display 380 is capable of displayingboth alphanumeric and graphical characters. Furthermore, as explainedearlier the display 380 may be a touch screen that is capable ofreceiving user information as well as displaying information.

Power is provided to the processor 360 and other components forming theportable electronic device 350 by a battery pack 400, which is locatedin the top housing. In the event that the battery pack 400 fails orbecomes disconnected from the portable electronic device 350, asupplemental power source 510 provides power to the processor 360, thesupplemental power source 510 being a super capacitor connectedelectrically in parallel with the battery 400. The hand-held terminal350 may enter a minimum current draw of sleep mode upon detection of abattery failure.

The portable electronic device 350 includes a communication subsystem410 that includes a data communication port 420, which is employed tointerface the processor 360 with the main computer. The portableelectronic device 350 also optionally includes an RF section 430connected to the processor 360. The RF section 430 includes an RFreceiver 440, which receives RF transmissions from the main computer forexample via an antenna 450 and demodulates the signal to obtain digitalinformation modulated therein. The RF section 430 also includes an RFtransmitter 460 for transmitting information to the main computer, forexample, in response to an operator input 465, e.g. via a keypad, or thecompletion of a transaction. Peripheral devices, such as a printer 470,signature pad 480, magnetic stripe reader 490, touch panel 500, can alsobe coupled to the portable scanner device 350 through the processor 360.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect tocertain illustrated aspects, it will be appreciated that equivalentalterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the artupon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexeddrawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by theabove described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems,etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describesuch components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated,to any component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though notstructurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs thefunction in the herein illustrated exemplary aspects of the invention.In this regard, it will also be recognized that the invention includes asystem as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for performing the acts and/or events of the variousmethods of the invention.

In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherimplementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application. As used in this application, the term“component” is intended to refer to a computer-related entity, eitherhardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or softwarein execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, aprocess running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, athread of execution, a program, and a computer. Furthermore, to theextent that the terms “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having”, andvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar tothe term “comprising”.

1. A housing for a mobile terminal comprising: a top portion configuredto accept an accessory for a mobile terminal with a bar code reader, viaa rail frame affixed to an accessory compartment of the top portion, therail frame comprising a mounting component that engages with theaccessory and guides the accessory into the compartment, the rail framefurther comprising a locking component that engages the accessory withinthe top portion; and a bottom portion with a handle configured to beheld in the palm of a hand.
 2. The housing of claim 1, the mountingcomponent and the locking component located at an end of the rail frame.3. The housing of claim 1, the rail having a channel shaped or taperedcross section.
 4. The housing of claim 1, the rail selected form thegroup consisting of metal and plastic.
 5. The housing of claim 1, thehandle comprising a handle compartment for hosting a stylus of themobile terminal.
 6. The housing of claim 5, the handle compartmentfurther comprising sculpted ribs on an inner side as to guide the stylustherewithin.
 7. The housing of claim 1, the bottom portion comprising amass element for lowering a center of gravity of the mobile terminal. 8.The housing of claim 7, the location of the mass element beingadjustable for balancing a weight of the terminal according to a user'spreference.
 9. The housing of claim 1, the bottom portion furthercomprising shock isolation in a form of a rubber component with a grove.10. The housing of claim 9, the rubber component insert molded as partof the bottom portion.
 11. The housing of claim 1, the handle furthercomprises a neck grip feature as a raised projection protruding outtherefrom.
 12. The housing of claim 11, the neck grip feature insertmolded as part of the handle.
 13. The housing of claim 11, the neck gripfeature placed on an opposite side of a trigger of the handle.
 14. Thehousing of claim 11, the neck grip feature provides a rest region for auser's hand.
 15. The housing of claim 1, the top portion adapted toaccept a key pad via a transitional frame.
 16. The housing of claim 10,the top portion or the transitional frame includes a latching assembly.17. The housing of claim 15, the key pad has a width larger than a widthof the top portion of the housing.
 18. A mobile terminal comprising: amemory unit; a display mounted on a top surface of a housing for themobile terminal; and a key pad with at least one further display mountedon a side, the display and the further display for displaying a datastored in the memory unit or inputted via the keypad.
 19. The mobileterminal of claim 18, further comprising a transitional frame formounting an oversized key pad.
 20. The mobile terminal of claim 18,further comprising: a laser emitting components emitting a laser beam ata first angle of about 207°, the first angle defined in a vertical planethat symmetrically divides the mobile terminal in two halves, the firstangle being measured clockwise with an initial side substantiallyparallel to a handle and an extended side substantially defining thelaser beam path with a vertex positioned within the top housing.